PDLC and Smart Window

The market situation of smart windows
Recently the glass industry has shown a tendency to produce products based on energy saving saving and eco-friendly materials. accordingly, the smart window glass material as a new material is going to increase the awareness in the market. it has a transmittance adjusting function, with not only visible light transmittance but also UV and infrared ray transmittance. therefore smart window has been variously applied to construction sector, transport sector, and advertising sector.

Smart windows history
Smart window is first developed by Dr edwin, the founder of the polaroid land in 1934. then a full-fledged research was conducted by newly founded RFI in 1965. in korea, korean glass manufacturer(Hangulas) introduced the core technology in the 1990, and then succeeded in producing large-sized products manufacturing technologies for architectural purpose. afterward, the hardcore research and development progressed from 2003.

Smart window principle
Smart window uses the material of PDLC(Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal). PDLC film consists of two PET films. there is an ITO film between the two PET films. in PDLC, liquid crystals are dispersed into a liquid polymer. so the liquid mix of polymer and liquid crystals is placed between two layers of PET films. users can control PDLC film's transparency and opacity with the electrical on/off switch.

Smart window technology development
Domestic
- 'korea institute of industrial technology' has developed the metal/metal oxide thin
   film material deposition process and technology development foe smart window                            applications.
   (source: smart window technology civil research information center)

- 'Sungkyunkwan university' has developed a simple-structured electrochromic
   device that dose not require application as an electrolyte in smart window.
   (source: futurecreation science)

 Overseas
- US company 'View' has developed and commercializad a thin film deposition process
   which creates a conductive layer between two glass panels to control the sun light
    and heat passing through from the sun.
    (sourse: smart window technology, engineering research information center)

- US nanotechnology company, raven brick, has developed PCM which applied                  nanotechnology and smart window which controls solar heat.
    (source: nano inside, neno convergence industry research association)

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